WINNING a race is probably one of the few things that puts a smile on the face of a battling horse trainer and such was the case for Brighton mentor Steve Lockhart at Elwick yesterday.
Date and Sign had strung together four minor placings and seemed doomed to never win another race but perseverance by the trainer and courage from the lightly raced six-year-old mare finally paid off by winning a benchmark 62 handicap over 1400m.
With premier jockey Brendon McCoull in the saddle Date and Sign cruised into the race at the top of the home straight and proceeded to put the end result beyond doubt soon after straightening for the run home.
Date and Sign hit the line clear of Geegees Martini and race leader Savvy Princess.
The mare is owned by John “Lord” Farrell and Andrew Jones who also have been patiently waiting for the mare to break through.
The mare was having only her 24th starts and this was her third win but she also has notched 11 minor placings that assisted with building her stake earnings to just over $46,000.
Listen to what trainer Steve Lockhart had to say about Date and Sign’s overdue win.